Récifs coralliens

There was absolutely no doubt about seeing 'Coral Reef Adventure'. Am a big fan of nature documentaries and coral reefs always look amazing when filmed underwater, and they feature a lot in nature documentaries. And for good reason, as they are interesting to learn about. Also expected a lot considering that it had Liam Neeson narrating, like him a lot as an actor despite a hit and miss filmography (films like 'Schindler's List' and 'Kinsey' show him off better than the action thrillers he's done a lot of.

'Coral Reef Adventure' however could have been a lot more. While it is definitely above average with a lot to recommend, it struck me as uneven. Nothing really is done terribly, though one aspect does bring things down by quite a lot, but the flaws are again uneven. It is not one of the best nature documentaries out there or a milestone, but it is not one of the worst either and it is worth watching if one wants to learn more about coral reefs (other nature documentaries, including them being frequently revisited in David Attenborough documentaries, cover them better though).

A lot great can be seen here in 'Coral Reef Adventure'. The production values are absolutely impeccable all round. This is another fine example of an environment that is exquisite to look at but very harsh with its challenges, photographed vividly and beautifully. The coral reefs look absoluely ravishing up close and a lot is learnt about them and it is stuff that is illuminating rather than repeating already known facts.

Furthermore, the way it is told is touching and doesn't hold back. The narration is delivered beautifully and did find myself relating somewhat to the coral reefs despite them not being animals or humans, it's just something about their situations and adversity that hits a nerve. Did think that the message was admirable and it is a relevant and important issue and still needs to be addressed.

It though could have made its points with a lot more subtlety, as it is rather heavy-handed and also on the one-sided side. All doom and gloom and not much hope, and it does unbalance the film in my view. Was mixed on the music, it's nice on its own but is used too much and doesn't gel stylistically, a gentler tone was needed.

Did think too that there could have been more narration, what there is does inform and doesn't over-explain or become too hip or schmaltzy but not enough stands out and the messaging and music overbear it. Neeson delivers beautifully but again is underused, especially considering his billing. The length feels too short too.

Overall, rather mixed here. 6/10.

I'm writing this review 20 years after seeing the film with my two very young daughters. I wrote down every website written at the end of the film and began following the science. I began composting, recycling when I hadn't prior, when it was time to buy a new car I searched far and wide for the most efficient car at the time and found a Prius. When building our new home I made sure it would be solar and geothermal, using NO fossil fuels. I began writing articles about climate change and waste and where it ends up. I talked to my kids about all of it every day hoping one of them might eventually make a career in climate science. Lo and behold my youngest did just that! When at the end of the film it said the coral reefs would all disappear in 40 years, that was what really got me. 40 YEARS was NOTHING, and here we are 20 years in with absolutely nothing substantial being done to change that projection. I have been amazed and disappointed that so few others reacted in the same way I did once they learn just a few of the facts. Well, I just want to thank the people involved in making this film!

The shots are beautiful. The not so subtle message is not. This movie had the potential to be great art, but fails miserably because of the preachy ness of its message. It is worth seeing because of the footage of under water beauty. The images of the dying reefs are powerful enough without the politicized sermon. A few words of explanation would have been more than enough, but in the end we are left with propaganda instead of art. One scene contains images of several small children with earnest expressions as the narrator tells us explicitly that the children depend upon a healthy reef. I found myself rolling my eyes as I was hit over the head with "the message". I care about children, but this scene tries too hard causing it to fail. Instead of being engaged by the movie I found it very disappointing.

I first saw this film when it came to the IMAX in the Museum of Natural History in NYC. I was impressed with the beauty of the scenery (years later, my wife and I were fortunate enough to visit the Island of Morea) and the soundtrack of the music. I remember, as been very familiar with most of the songs by CSN, that it sounded very different than the original recordings, like the songs were recorder specially for this film. Well, the other day I bought this documentary in order to refresh my memory of it and, again, I was very impressed. I have a question that I hope somebody will be able to answer it, IS THERE A CD WITH THE COMPLETE SOUND TRACK of this film? Thanks

This film has beautiful images to share. The movie was well produced with a great use of music with the different shots. The movie did get a little "environmental", but it was to be expected. I also think they could have chosen better music than Crosby, Stills and Nash. Overall I would highly recommend seeing it if you have the opportunity. It is educational and breathtaking.